Lake-Side Activities at Alisal | Archery

The Alisal’s private 100-acre spring-fed lake is a shimmering jewel surrounded by picturesque rolling hill-sides, towering oaks and an abundance of wildlife. To many

guests who return year after year, it is the heart of the Alisal experience. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic canoe ride, a novice angler looking to try fly fishing, or a family looking to bond on the archery range, the lake and all its activities await. Archery is more popular than ever.

Whether because of the blockbuster movie the “Hunger Games”, or the excitement of the Olympics, archery has never been more popular. According to Dale Combs the Alisal’s Archery and Shooting Director, the archery and shooting ranges have always been guest favorites and this year the demand is even higher. The Ranch offers three archery ranges (15 yards, 20 yards, 25 yards) and up to 10 participants can use the range at a time. There are traditional paper bulls-eyes as well as 3D foam animal targets (all safely backed by hay bales). Guests also have a choice of traditional Browning bows or compound/mechanical bows. Dale, who is a National Archery Association certified instructor, can help beginners and more advanced shooters improve their skills. “It’s really gratifying for me to see how much people enjoy this program and what a great self-confidence builder it is.” says Dale. In addition to the archery ranges, there are also two rifle ranges up at the lake.

Using powerful air rifles, guests can test their skills on either the 20-yard range or the 10-yard range. Dale offers competition shooting as well as qualification shooting lessons.  Both the archery and the rifle ranges are open year-round, but especially in the summer, it is a good idea to sign up the day before you want to participate.  Both the archery and the rifle ranges are open year-round, but especially in the summer, it is a good idea to sign up the day before you want to participate. The rifle range is open in

the morning 9:00 –11:00 a.m.(or 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Breakfast Ride days). The archery range is open 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Dale who is a former Air Force trained sharp shooter and NRA certified instructor, has also been shooting a bow since he was six years old. His emphasis is on teaching solid fundamentals, making sure guests have fun and above all, “Safety!” Minimum age for participation in archery is eight years old (unless a younger child has already had archery experience)and 10 years old for the rifle program.